Thursday 29 March 2012

Exercise & Cancer

Below is a great article I was asked to post by fellow blogger David (http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog)
I agree wholeheartedly and have seen this first-hand.  Although often difficult to exercise during some forms of cancer treatments, the benefits can not be ignored or under appreciated.  Combining proper nutrition and exercise can greatly increase the likelihood of beating the disease! 

Cancer Fitness and the free wonder drug  By David Haas
When it comes to cancer and fitness, patients are amazed to see the enormous impact exercise can have. It has been proven and documented, the more you contribute to support normal cell routines, the more you will move yourself towards good health.
In a study performed, by the National Cancer Institute, it was found that physical activity reduces the risk of cancer re-occurrence and mortality, whether one is diagnosed with mesothelioma or colon cancer. Individuals who are inactive lose muscle strength, thus becoming more fatigued. This inactivity ultimately leads to more muscle weakness.

Thirty minutes of exercise, every day, can cut the risk of breast cancer by 75 percent. An active lifestyle not only lowers your risk of getting cancer, it also reduces the risk of cancer returning. Exercise is that free wonder drug that can improve the body’s normal functions.
Most people never reflect upon the importance of movement. Consider bedridden people and how much sicker they become. Moving facilitates the delivery of nutrients and the removal of toxins. In addition to helping deliver nutrients all over the body, exercise balances hormones, reduces inflammation and improves immune function. Cancer patients should get as much exercise as they possibly can.
The common stress of living in a fast-paced, high-pressure world can make one feel fatigued just thinking about it. For people facing cancer and treatments, fatigue can take on a new meaning; a very different meaning. While this level of fatigue is difficult, there are ways to manage it, so that exercise can be incorporated into the day.
Low impact cancer fitness
Cancer patients can run out of steam easily and not be able to accomplish as much as before. Slow, low impact exercises, such as walking, yoga, tai chi and light weight lifting, are easier on the body. The best way to begin is by managing your routine.
Low impact exercise also has an immediate effect on stress. Exercise can help the body become stronger by enhancing the transport of oxygen into the cells. In fact, it is thought that low impact exercises are best for the immune system.
Boosting immunity with lifestyle changes
A healthy lifestyle will improve the quality of life by balancing each day. Who says our lives must be crammed full of “must-do” items? Our lifestyles can either enhance or impair cancer treatments. Balancing and prioritizing life is critical.
Schedule your days. Plan and schedule your activities during your high-energy periods. Schedule the exercise sessions and alternate these activities with rest periods. This will help to use your energy wisely while managing your time.
Be more efficient. Make a list before heading out the door. Prioritize what needs to be done, rather than a handful of unnecessary tasks that sap your energy.
Stay motivated and recognize the importance of fitness.

1 comment:

  1. There is no way around this. you must eat healthy and exercise if you want to lose weight. Only drink water, 8 glasses a day minimum and get at least 30 minutes of cardio 3 - 5 days a week. even if its just a walk around the park.
    Bootcamp Vancouver Bc

    ReplyDelete